For $97m You’d Better Be Able To Guarantee Me Something …………..

It must be me ! But for all sense and purpose with the thought that the upcoming collective bargaining agreement is about to be opted out of by the NFL owners . I find it somewhat bemusing and a little perplexing that the New York Giants would offer their quarterback Eli Manning a six year contract extension that’ll pay him $97 milllion dollars with incentives.

Giants' quarterback Eli Manning speaks with the reporters after arriving for the start of the team's training camp in Albany, NY,. They were no doubt keen to hear the player express his views, having just been made the recipient of the most lucrative contract in the franchise's history . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tim Roske .......................

That being said it’s enough that the Players’ Executive Director DeMaurice Smith has yet to state his views on the rookie salary contracts , as well as how the league’s most revered players . The older NFL veterans have been left out in the cold as to their pensions and medical benefits . Much like his predecessor Gene Upshaw , Smith has remained tight-lipped on the issue. Merely stating that this issue will be raised with the NFL Commissioner , Roger Goodell when they come to the table to deal with the renegotiating of the collective bargaining agreement.

Giants' fans seated , watch the team at their training camp on the campus of the University of Albany in Albany , New York . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Groll .........................

That being said with the league not wanting to face a situation , wherein the 2010-11 season would be operated without a salary cap. It’s paramount that an agreement be hammered out, that is amicable for all of the parties concerned. Furthermore , with the economic climate now being in the state that it is in. It won’t be at all easy to think that the NFL or the NFLPA will be able to operate from a position of power when it comes to the negotiations. Not with the broadcast networks and cable outlets that in large part pay out the bulk of the revenues gleaned by the NFL , will be prepared to overpay for tv rights to the NFL’s product. If anything they just like any of the corporate entities across the country , aren’t at all sure when this economic downturn will end. In many respects many of the outlets are cutting their budgets and laying off staff , as part of their cost cutting measures.

For Giants’ GM Jerry Reese , this may well be what he best viewed as a way to retain the services of the franchise’s Superbowl MVP winning quarterback. Manning’s current contract was due to expire at the end of this upcoming season. And it called for him to be paid $9.4million in 2009.

For this Giants’ team often viewed as on the better franchises within the NFC. It has to be said that this upcoming season they’re expected to be amongst the presumptive favorites to garner a playoff berth. Albeit, that within the always competitive NFC East , they’ll be up against the usual suspects in what has been determined to be the best and most competitive division in all of the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles , Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins , in large part always come to play.

This season with coach Tom Coughlin in tow , he seeks to bring back some resolute toughness to a team that lost its stride as the year wore on. And coming of a (12-4) season, where they won their division with some ease. The playoffs proved to be something of a profound letdown for the franchise and their fans. As a great deal more had been expected of them.

Reese and the Giants’ coaching staff saw fit to replenish the team’s roster with players in the draft , who they feel can make a valid contribution to the team’s ambitions. And it has to be said that even with the loss of their former wide-out Plaxico Burress due to his ongoing legal problems. There’s no reason to believe why this team can’t at all be successful once again, this season.

Manning talks to his wide receiver Steve Smith during the team's training camp. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Mike Groll ........................

Source : The Washington Post

Giants Make Manning NFL’s Richest Player ….

By Mark Maske of The Washington Post

Quarterback Eli Manning has agreed to a contract extension with the New York Giants that will give him the highest average annual salary in the NFL , a source familiar with the negotiations said Wednesday.

The six year extension is worth about $97.5 million , said the source , who spoke on condition of anonymity because the agreement had not been officially announced. It includes approximately $35 million in guaranteed money the source said, and runs through the 2015 season.

With the extension , Manning is set to make $106.9 over the next seven seasons. That’s an NFL-high average annual income of $15.27 million.

The former top overall selection in the 2004 NFL Draft led the Giants to a Superbowl in the 2007 season and was selected to his first Pro Bowl last season. He has led the Giants to the playoffs in each of his four full seasons as an NFL starter.

According to the New York Daily News, Giants’ General Manager Jerry Reese told reporters Wednesday he’s hopeful that the finishing touches will be applied to the deal soon but declined to confirm the widely reported contract terms. Reese said he believes that Manning is worthy of such a contract.

“He’s a franchise quarterback”, Reese told reporters, according to the Daily News. “He’s come in , he takes a lot of flak from you guys and just keeps going. He does what we ask him to do on the field. He’s a good football player”.

Oakland Raiders’ cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha previously had the league’s highest average annual income , at $15.1 million per season. He signed a three-year $45.3 million contract in the offseason . That included $28.5 million in guaranteed money.

Manning’s older brother, Indianapolis Colts’ quarterback Peyton Manning , has a contract worth about $14 million per season.

In five seasons, Eli Manning has thrown for 14,623 yards with 98 touchdown passes and 74 interceptions. He threw for 3,238 yards last season , with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions , and was the league’s 14th-rated passer.

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Osi Umenyiora addresses members of the press prior to the start of the Giants' training camp. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tim Roske ...........................

The fate of the team , may well lie in the demeanor of Manning , how he’ll carry himself, with the now renewed and heightened expectations as to his onfield performances. And most certainly that air expectance will go hand in hand as to not only the salary he’s being paid. But also the enormity of the task he now faces in having to live up to that contract.

Defensively the team will see the return of defensive stalwart Osi Umenyiora . Who’ll renew his defensive tandem partnership, beside teammate Justin Tuck . As good a defensive set of ends as you’ll find anywhere in the league. And in some eyes they may well be the quintessential pair of defensive players who can wreak havoc on an offensive line and get to the opposing quarterback for the sack.

On the offensive side of the things, the loss of Burress’ll no doubt hurt . But the Giants’ running game ought to more than compensate for that . And the fact that Coughlin will no doubt orchestrate his offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride to deem what is advantageous for the team in its endeavors to become an even more potent offense. If everything should then fall into place. Then look for the New York Giants to have their eyes firmly affixed on raising the Lombardi Trophy. But as I alluded to earlier the caveat will be predicated upon the form shown by the franchise’s quarterback. As he goes , so too, might the fortunes of the New York Giants.

Seats Will Be Even Hotter For Coaches In 2009

Every season there are a number of NFL head coaches who are placed on the proverbial ‘hot seat’ by media and fans. It means that if the coach does not produce a successful season, he will inevitably be fired. The definition of a successful season is based solely in the eyes of the general manager and owner. Sometimes the coach can’t control the outcome of a season due to injuries and the like, but owners rarely let coaches make those kind of excuses after a poor season. Depending on how much patience an owner has, a coach can last a few years while the team transitions, or he can be out in flash after just one bad season.

The 2009 season will unfold with a different dynamic to the coaching hot seats in 2009. Sitting out the season and available for hire next year will be three Super Bowl winning head coaches in Mike Shanahan (two), Bill Cowher and Mike Holgrem (one each). Jon Gruden and Brian Billick also have Super Bowls under the belts, but it is questionable whether they want to return to coaching in 2010.

There are a number of different ways this will affect coaches who have little wiggle room heading into the upcoming season. The media will continually document that three better coaching options are waiting if the current coach’s team begins to struggle. Questions will be asked to the coach and his players about the situation almost daily, possibly creating a distraction. And if the distraction ends up trickling down to the players, the team could get gradually get worse. Remember, there is a reason the particular coach is on the heat seat.  Being able to avoid distractions and teach his team to compartmentalize likely isn’t a strong suit.

Just how bad the situation the coach is in will without question be the leading factor in determining whether he should be given another year to coach the team. The players on the roster, how long it’s been since reaching the playoffs and the overall attitude and culture on the team all are aspects that must be considered.

In Dallas, for example, coach Wade Phillips likely will be on a short leash. Over the past three seasons, the Cowboys have arguably had the most talent roster each of those years. What has it equated to? Two postseason appearances, 0 wins. Last season’s result probably won’t exit owner Jerry Jones’ brain for quite a while, as the team failed to make the playoffs thanks to a two-game losing streak to end the season. Team chemistry played a big role in the team’s struggles, which is why Jones released wide receiver Terrell Owens, cornerback Pacman Jones and defensive tackle Tank Johnson — all troublemakers that reflected on the Cowboys locker room chemistry. Owens may have been the biggest of them all, and getting rid of him signals that this is now quarterback Tony Romo’s team. At least one playoff victory is a must for Phillips if he wants to keep his job.

Another hot-spot will be on coach Dick Jauron of the Buffalo Bills, the team with which Owens landed. Signing Owens, who has wrecked three teams in his career, is a last-ditch attempt by Jauron at trying to make the playoffs and save his job. It’s a risky move, but it is a necessary move as the Bills could have used another playmaker on offense last season. How the signing affects QB Trent Edwards remains to be seen, but Owens has never had a good relationship with a QB before. Jauron knows that the Bills must improve on their 2008 record of 7-9, and with all of the hype surrounding the team anything but a trip to the postseason could get Jauron canned. The team got off to a great start in 2009, going 4-0, before Edwards suffered a concussion against the Cardinals. Jauron will not only to need to repeat the start of the season, but will need to build on it.

A somewhat similar situation is developing in Houston. Coach Gary Kubiak has not yet made the playoffs in his tenure, and expectations are going to be high this season. The team has had the talent over the last few seasons, but have failed to capitalize on it. QB Matt Schaub is talented, but he has not yet played a full 16-game season in his time with the Texans. Injuries have slowed him down in both of his seasons, and he will need to stay healthy should the Texans have a chance to reach the postseason. Armed with what has the potential to be one of the best offenses in the league, the Texans will be expected to do big things this upcoming season. Andre Johnson is possibly the best WR in the league, and RB Steve Slaton is a playmaker. On top of that, the defense should be solid with defensive end Mario Williams continuing to improve. While a playoff berth may not be the end-all-be-all for Kubiak, but he will need to improve.

Those are just three examples of coaches that will be on the hot seat. How the owners go about making decisions after the season should coaches struggle will be intriguing thing to watch. Jones has never shown the willingness to wait long for a coach to develop his team. He is one of the most impatient owners in the league, and the fact that he has given Phillips this much lee-way is remarkable in and of itself. One reason may be because Offensive Coordinator Jason Garrett, the head coach in-waiting, may not be ready for the responsibility that entails being the head coach of the Cowboys. Bills owner Ralph Wilson is getting up in age, and he wants to see his team reach the postseason. If Jauron and the Bills struggle, he may be quick to to make a change. It will be interesting to see what route the Bills go if that does happen, because Wilson is far from the richest owner in the league, and it is going to take a good amount of money to hire a high-profile coach. Bob McNair, owner of the Texans, could choose to go in a number of different directions. If he doesn’t see improve, Kubiak could be as good as gone. But if McNair doesn’t want to hire a first-year head coach and also doesn’t want to pay big money for a coach, Kubiak could remain in Houston.

Will the state of the economy play a role in just how many big-name coaches get hired next season? In this terrible economy — even the NFL is apparently affected — it may be hard for owners to plunk down $10 million a year for a head coach, which is what it may take. Holmgren, Cowher and Shanahan are not going to come back for free. All are excellent coaches and will demand a high salary. Another issue will be control of personnel decisions, which may back some owners (Jones and Washington Redskins owner Daniel Synder come to mind) off.

The presence alone of Holmgren, Cowher and Shanahan is sure to put an extra dose of pressure coaches who are on the hot seat heading into 2009. It’s yet another intriguing aspect to think about heading into the season.

Same Old, Same Old In The NFC East

Less than a week from today, the NFL season will begin with the annual Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio. The game will take place between the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans. The Hall of Fame Game is a guarantee every year that fans look forward to. It signals the start of the new season. But few things in the NFL are guaranteed. With all of the contact and risk of injury on every play, there simply isn’t enough consistency for things to stay the same year-after-year. One of the things that is consistent is the NFC East, consistently the best and toughest division in football. Last season was a little different, as the NFC South gave the East a run for its money. Based solely on wins and losses, the South was the best division in football last season. Based on all factors, including talent and teams overall, arguments could have been made for every division. But the South’s dominance last season would appear to be an anomaly. In 2009, the East will once again reclaim its place as the best and toughest division in the NFL.

There are a number of factors that go into determining just how good a division is, and wins and losses isn’t necessarily the biggest. Talent, skill, competition and the rivalries are all important determining factors. Every game within the division must be tough. To truly gage just how good a division is from a pure football standpoint, look at the team that is expected to finish last. And in the case of the East in ‘09, most experts and fans (including myself) have pegged the Washington Redskins to finish in fourth place.

The Redskins won’t be as bad as most people think. Last season, they came out on fire behind the energy of first-year head coach Jim Zorn. They got off to a 4-1 start, thanks to a solid offensive numbers from running back Clinton Portis and quarterback Jason Campbell. Portis wound up carrying the team on his back for the first half of the season, and the workload he received early on probably contributed to the team’s down-slide in the second half of the year. Cambell, who had gotten off to such a good start, fizzled in the last half of the season as the Redskins lost 4 of their final 5 games. Their record was 8-8, good enough for last in the division. To finish with a .500 winning percentage and come in last says a lot about the East, as only the South had a similar result. In Zorn’s second season at the helm, improvements naturally should me made. Plus, owner Daniel Synder did what he does best by making the biggest splash of the offseason. The ‘Skins signed arguably the best defensive tackle in football, Albert Haynesworth. They also added defensive end Brian Orakpo through the draft. Both additions should improve their front seven. Though the ‘Skins likely will come in last place, they should be better than their record shows, which will ultimately reflect on the division.

From a talent standpoint, tally up another victory for the East. Offensively, New York Giants QB Eli Manning (pictured, right), Dallas Cowboys’ QB Tony Romo and Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb comprise the best group of QBs in one division. While the East doesn’t have the best group of defensive players in one division, it does have two players, LB DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Asante Samuel, that are arguably the best at their respective divisions. This category is the trickiest to judge, because loads of talent is sprinkled throughout the league. Finding the most talented players stacked in division is nearly impossible, but a compelling case can be made for the East. But this is the category in which all of the divisions are stacked up closely.

The competition aspect is where the race for best division is really won. If a team goes undefeated in their division, it doesn’t bode well for the strength of the division. In 2008, for example, two teams went undefeated in their respective divisions: the Pittsburgh Steelers (AFC North) and Arizona Cardinals (NFC West). Obviously both were excellent teams as the played in the Super Bowl, but their divisions were far from great. And at the bottom of the spectrum, having a team go 0-6 in the division isn’t a good harbinger of strength. Three teams — the St. Louis Rams (NFC West), Detroit Lions (NFC North) and Buffalo Bills (AFC East) — didn’t win a single game in their divisions last season. As usual, the NFC East was the most competitive division in football last season, along with the South. The team with the best record in the division, the Giants, went 4-2. The team with the worst record, the Eagles, went 2-4. Only the South had the same win-loss numbers. But the South figures to take a slide this season, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won’t be nearly as good as they were last season. The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints stand to be improved, but Carolina may come back down to earth  after going 12-4 last season. Every team in the East, meanwhile, has improved. As a result, games in the division figure to be even better and more competitive in ‘09.

In the NFC East, rivalry is a word that gets thrown around a lot, and deservedly so. Cowboys/Giants always seems to produce two of the best games of the year. Eagles/Cowboys tends to be just as good and it is one of the best rivalries in the game. Redskins/Giants and Redskins/Eagles don’t necessarily have the storied history of the other games, but both are always fun to watch. Then there is the crown jeweled rivalry of the division, Redskins/Cowboys. These two games are two of the most intense and hard fought games in football. This game means so much that when the Redskins defeated the Cowboys in the final Redskins/Cowboys game at Texas Stadium, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones looked like he was going to fire every member of his coaching staff on the spot. While there are great rivalries throughout football, the East has produced the best rivalry games on a consistent basis.

The ‘09 season once again figures to be an excellent one for the NFC East. No matter how much people seem to dislike the teams in the division, everyone will be watching. And how can they not? Quite simply, it’s the best division in football.

Problems You Think You’ve Got Problems ?

Well let the fun and games begin. NFL teams are already in training camp. And there’s a great deal that’s being speculated over. Where’ll Michael Vick end up ? And how’ll Tony Romo survive without the former love of his life , Jessica Simpson ? Now don’t get me wrong , I’m not about to assail these two problematic quarterbacks who’ve struggled to show their maturity , let alone leadership qualities within the NFL .

Vick seen here speaks at a press conference having just entered his plea of guilty in a federal dogfighting charge. Having served his sentence the player having been re-instated by the NFL now looks for a team to acquire him as a free agent. It's been rumored that the Seattle Seahawks are said to be interested in the player. But no formal announcement has been made by the organization. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ George Herbert ..........................

But in reality I look at this way. You’re only as good as your last game. And for Vick his last game in the NFL wasn’t all that enlightening or entrhalling. But yet we’re to believe that his return to the NFL , will be almost like the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Cowboys' quarterback Tony Romo seen here at the team's training facility in San Antonio , Tx,. It'll be up to the player to prove his effectiveness and leadership skills if the Cowboys are at all to prevail in the NFL this upcoming season. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Eric Gray ..............

As to Romo and his problems. Let’s just say that the signs pointing to the fact that he could be the savior that the Dallas Cowboys were said to be looking for . Exaggeration or aberration, which was more likely ?When one considers that the Cowboys haven’t won a playoff game in over a decade. It ought not to be cause for concern at all. The hype over America’s Team is merely like that of Simpson’s career. One great big bag of jokes that are self explanatory. You’ve got a coach whose greatest claim to fame is that his name is Wade Phillips , son of Bum Phillips . That should be explanation enough , don’t you think ?

Moreover, you’ve an owner in Jerry Jones , who’s now about as able to assess footballing talent. As Elizabeth Taylor has been , in her choice of husbands. And we all know how that has been for the Oscar winner over the last three decades , don’t we ? Suffice to say that Liz’s choices have been about as adept as Jones’ have been over the last decade.

Well the ensuing problems of former New York Giants’ star Plaxico Burress seem to be going along unabated. While I have the utomost respect for the legal community. I’ve now got to question the mindset of Burress’ lawyer , Benjamin Brafman . Having given his testimony in front of grand jury. Brafman had the temerity to suggest that there were mitigating circumstances with regard to his client’s disposition and the fact that he was in possession of a gun inside a night club where hard liquor was being served. Unless Brafman is fully cognescant of the law. He seems to forget that Burress was in the possession of a weapon that was unlicensed within the state of New York. And the fact that he brought the weapon across state lines meant that his client had already committed at least one felony , amongst others.

Plaxico Burress seen here leaving the Manhattan Courthouse after giving testimony to the grand jury for illegal gun possession . picture appears courtesy of nytimes.com/ Michael Appleton ...........................

Furthermore , Brafman’s belief that New York District Attorney Robert M. Morgenthau spoke out of turn when making the statement that Burress ought to serve jail time the criminal charges he was facing. It doesn’t speak well of the fact that Brafman seeks preferential treatment for his client and the belief Burress has paid a price for his misdeeds. I was under the impression that the law was meant to be impartial and blind to prejudices and preferential treatment ? But then again isn’t that how many athletes now see themselves ? Above the law ?

Burress and his lawyer Benjamin Brafman seen here leaving the Manhattan State Supreme Court , New York after a hearing in March. picture appears courtesy of reuters / Lucas Jackson ............................

It’s at times likes this I’d prefer to see the justice meted out , as it’s done in the Middle and Far East. It is far more of a deterrent than what we’re led to believe than the so called impartial judicial system , here in the United States. You steal from someone, you’ll most definitely lose an appendage. You lie and you’ll have your toungue cut out. But hear the sound of money tends to lighten the appearance of justice being served and its apparent impartiality.

SI article :

Burress gambles on testimony in hopes of avoiding prison

By Michael McCann of Sports Illustrated

Plaxico Burress hopes an unusual legal strategy will keep him out of prison. On Wednesday , the former New York Giants’ star testified before a Manhattan grand jury on the charges he faces for criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree. The charges , which carry a minimum three-and-half-year sentence, stem from Burress accidentally shooting himself in Manhattan’s Latin Quarter Club , last November. Burress’ counsel, Benjamin Brafman and prosecutors have reportedly been unable to strike a plea deal, with Burress willing to serve one year behind bars and prosecutors demanding two. For a 31-year old wide receiver the difference between one and two years in prison could be worth millions of dollars.

The unusual nature of Burress’ strategy derives from the dynamics of the grand jury proceeding and his decision to testify in it. In New York, as elsewhere , a grand jury is completely secret with the defense counsel barred from participating. Under New York law , a defendant enjoys the right to testify but the grand jury proceeding has no judge and is instead run entirely by the prosecutor. As a result the prosecutor determines how to apply the rules of evidence , which questions to ask of the testifying party and other facets of the proceeding . cont’d …………….

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So now we await to see how the justice system will deal with another wayward player who once again feels that they can flout the law. But then looks to the mercy of his peers to absolve them of all responsibiilty for their sheer utter stupidity. And we’re meant to look to individual such as this and admire them , merely because they possess a physical ability to , run, jump and play better than the average individual. We’ve seen the justice system at work with Donte’ Stallworth . And there it wasn’t something that one could admire at all !

Let’s hope that this time around the law and its tenets will prevail , rather than it being subverted for the benefit of others. In this case , a rich spoilt and narcissistic athlete !

Should We At All Be Surprised ?

Well it’d appear that newly signed Buffalo Bills’ wide receiver Terrell Owens has proffered up some words of advice for NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell . Granted the player is entitled to his very own opinions as to what he deems to be reasonably fair as far as the commissioner’s intervention and punishment meted out by Goodell , as far as Michael Vick is concerned. But then again who is Owens anyway to be espousing what he deems to be fair and what is actually not ?

Owens (81) and teammate quarterback Trent Edwards (5) have a discussion on the first day of the team's official opening of training camp. The Buffalo Bills' training camp is being held on the grounds of St John Fisher College in Pittsford,. N.Y. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey ...................

This happens to be the same player who’s layed waste to to three NFL franchises (San Francisco 49ers , Philadelphia Eagles & Dallas Cowboys ) over the course of his career. And he’s carried on as if in neither of the cases was he at all fault , or to be blamed. Now the Bills will have the privilege of having the player within their very midst. I can’t fathom what’ll happen at the first sign of adversity or a flare up between either he and the team’s quarterback, Trent Edwards . Or quite possibly between Owens and the team’s coach Dick Jauron .

Owens makes the catch and run during a play at the Buffalo Bills' training camp. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey ...............

The one thing that we can be all sure of, is that in each of the cases thus far. It is the very fact that Owens has behaved as if he’s a woman scorned by a lover whose found someone else. Bearing in mind that Owens in large part has been the main protagonist in many of his so called downfalls. Vociferous , self indulgent and above all severly critical of those who don’t often share the same opinion as himself. That being said he fell from grace and the soiled relationship between he and Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones, says a great deal about both individuals.

Owens signs autographs for the fans in attendance at the team's training camp at St John Fisher College in Pittsford ,. N.Y. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey ...........................

Owens for his part and that of his agent Drew Rosenhaus , know that at this point . This will be the last chance and stop for the player to lead a franchise to a Superbowl win. Failure as they say “….. is not an option. ” So everything now, is in the hands of Owens and what we believe will be his perceived relationship with his new found teammates. Will it be his team ? Or will he actually defer to his teammate Trent Edwards ? Moreover, will it be the softly, softly approach coming from Jauron as the team fares throughout much of the regular season ?

Bills' owner Ralph Wilson Jr speaks with members of the team at their training facility at St John Fisher College in Pittsford, N.Y., picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ David Duprey .............

Coming off a rather disapppointing (7-9) season from last year. In reality the only way is up for the AFC East franchise. And having to look up from the bottom of the division at the Miami Dolphins , New York Jets and the New England Patriots can’t at all have given the Bills’ fans a great deal of pleasure.

The TO Show which premiered on VH1 cable station on the 20th July. The show is meant to give us a behind the scenes look at the player’s life and his relationships.

If anything the luster that Owens hopes to bring back to the Bills. It’ll be predicated upon how much his desire it is to be viewed as a success in the eyes of the fans and the lengths that he’s prepared to prove himself a valuable asset and teammate. So far , he’s gone about selling himself and the TO brand . And much of that has come with the assistance of his VH1 reality show …The T.O Show As to whether or not anyone has been watching , who knows or cares ?

The Bills’ fans for their part have made the player feel welcomed at this juncture. But it remains to be seen what’ll happen , once that first sign of narcisisstical behavior comes to the fore and his unwillingness to be viewed as a team player. They’ll either embrace it or quite possibly vent their anger in the direction of the player and coach if the team isn’t said to be faring at all well. The one thing we know for sure is that Owens is at peace with himself and those around him. He’s simply outstanding and one of the most feared offensive players in the entire NFL. When things aren’t going right however, he then becomes something of a pariah and at best the most self serving and primadonna like athlete that we’ve all become accustomed to seeing. Love him or hate him . Owens is what he his. And he’s not about to change for anyone , anytime soon ! And that means even if he should lead a team to the Promised Land. What you see and what you’ll continue to get is steadfasty …..TO continuing to be TO . Always opinionated on just about any subject that happens to be within his so called perceived sphere of influence.

Owens and his then fiancee' Felisha during a photo-shoot. The player admitted to his infidelity and trust issues while being invollved with the model at the time. On his show he's revisited those very same issues while trying to win her back with a commitment of trust and honesty. Don't hold your breath ! copyrighted material ....@ All rights reserved ......................

And what of the Bills you might ask ? How are they about to fare ? Well much of that also may well lie in the health of their quarterback Trent Edwards. And whether or not his body can withstand a full NFL 16 game schedule. So far in his short career within the NFL , he’s yet to play a full season. Merely because of recurring injuries and also the complete lack of protection from his offensive line. If they can’t protect him then the team and in particular TO will be in for a horrendous season from the outset.

Bills' coach Dick Jauron oversees the Buffalo Bills' training camp at St John Fisher College in Pittsford , New York. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo / David Duprey ...................

Facts are fact and they don’t come anymore succinctly than that. So what are your thoughts as to how the Bills might fare ? It should make for an interesting topic of debate don’t you think ?

Well They Are America’s Team At Least They Want Us To Believe …..

When I look at the Dallas Cowboys I’m led to believe that they are America’s Team. Well as far as I’m concerned a team is meant to be a consistently cohesive unit that is capable of overcoming adversity. And that only happens if there’s leadership shown from the highest echelons on down. At the same time there’s got to be character being shown by someone on the team who aspires to be its leader.

Cowboys' owner Jerry Jones (center) seated alongside the team's coach Wade Phillips (right) and to the left of Jones is his son Stephen who is also the Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys and its business holdings. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...........

The same can be said of any military unit as they’re the ones I’ve no doubt that a professional sport’s team aspires to be like in terms of discipline , character and camaraderie. Those definitely aren’t the traits that you’ll find with the Cowboys. And that’s despite what we’ve been told and led to believe . This team has become to be now known more for its drama off the field than anything achieved on it in recent times. So much so that I know more likely than not although as the team’s owner Jerry Jones still loves the press coverage received by the team. Whether it’s duly wanted or not. It keeps them in the public eye 24/7 365 days a year. And that’s the sort of pub’ that money can’t buy at all.

Cowboys' coach Wade Phillps instructs his team during a practice session at the team's minicamp in Carrollton Tx,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez .................

Many Cowboys’ fans might feel to the contrary with the evidence being put forth not just within this article but also as evidenced by what the team has been through. Last year’s team finished with a (9-7) record within the highly competitive NFC East. They failed to make the playoffs. And then having to look up at both the Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) and New York Giants (12-4) within their division make the playoffs. That had to have placed a thorn in their claws. And that was with what we’re being told was perhaps the best team on paper in the entire NFL. Well being the best on paper is a vast difference from being the best within your own division, conference , much less the entire league.

Cowboys' offensive coordinator speaks with the team's quarterback Tony Romo during a practice session at the team's minicamp . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

Much to the chagrin of the common fan. Jones and the Cowboys’ fans believe in that in their own eyes and that in this team’s mindset they’re still better than everyone else. That particular thought process has to be totally devoid of all reasoning. The fact that last year’s roster was laden with Pro Bowl caliber players did nothing to persuade many that this was still the same ol’ Cowboys of recent years.
How else can one explain that abysmal record even by their own lofty standards ?

Cowboys; secondary coach Dave Campo speaks with Mike Mickens (33) during a session at the team's minicamp in Carrollton , Tx,. picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ..........

The chances are that you’ll find much of the turmoil created within the organization started off with the constant meddling of Jerry Jones , himself. Wherein the coaching staff led by Wade Phillips , defensive coordinator Brian Stewart and the offensive coordinator in Jason Garrett , were merely like puppets for the marionette in Jones who orchestrated almost everything from up on high. The drama played out for all to see like a late eighties’ soap opera. Fortunately for us however, there was very little sex, just a tinge of rock & roll . But most definitely there was a certain amount of violence. And the internal combustion that was caused when on your roster you have the narcissistic attitudes of Terrell Owens , Roy E. Williams and the rotten apple in all of this in Adam ‘Pacman’ Jones. For ‘Pacman’ Jones his record would be far more distinguished on the field were it not for his continued off the field problems at the time. So much so that you’d find it far more recognizable were his name being mentioned concerning his latest transgression of the law rather than anything that he’d accomplished on the field with the Dallas Cowboys.

Members of the Cowboys' offensive line look to work out on some drills using training equipment during minicamp . picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

The star we were led to believe and the leader on the team was meant to be quarterback Tony Romo. What he at times lacked in his discipline concerning his play. He made up for with his innate and acute awareness as to what was happening around him when his offensive line at times faltered. But then Hollywood came a calling in his buxom, often considered trite but yet overly ambitious and some might say less than talented girlfriend in the guise of Jessica Simpson. It’d be remiss of me to suggest that since Simpson’s introduction into the Cowboys’ fold that things started to spiral out of control and descended downhill for the franchise. That’d be false as much of this began prior to Simpson’s interaction with Romo.

Cowboys' wide receiver Patrick Crayton (84) makes a catch whilst defensive player Mike Mickens (33) looks to negate the play during the team's minicamp training session. picture appears courtesy of ap/ photo/ Tony Gutierrez ...............

The team lacked discipline and that was the one thing above all else that Phillips’ predecessor Bill Parcells demanded of his players on the field. And they were held accountable for those actions. In the case of Phillips whilst he’s considered to have be a brilliant defensive mind. His coaching qualities and skills are shall we say ‘….. not always up to par ?’ His style is very much lackadaisical and with little or no effort with regard to his players being held accountable for what went on , on the field of play.

Quarterback Tony Romo (9) prepares to throw a pass during practice at the team's minicamp training session. With former receiver now having been cut from the team also with the release of Pacman Jones and safety Roy Williams. It has to be said that any semblance of normalcy that the Cowboys hope to be looking for will be a work in progress. picture appears courtesy appears courtesy of ap/photo / Tony Gutierrez ......................

Much of that was witnessed as the ‘08-’09 season progressed and wound down for the team. And it was all brought to the boil with the internal bickering that took place between Owens , Romo, Patrick Crayton , Phillips and allegedly Garrett. When the dirty laundry is being aired out in public, with the baby , bath water and kitchen sink said to be in play. You know that things aren’t at all right with the team.

Romo and Simpson attend an NBA game . I still for the life of me can't understand what all the fuss is about. Is it her lack of intelligence and having a 'hot bod' and the presumptiveness in thinking that he has the makings of being a great quarterback that makes this couple apparently so fascinating ? Over to you Billy Bush for an update on what they're now said to be allegedly doing. ' Jess offcourse it's chicken of the sea.' 'But Tony Nick always told me that chickens have wings'. 'So why doesn't tuna ?' ' Why do you always have to bring up that douche-bag Nick ? Don't I satisfy you ?' ............... picture appears courtesy of ap/photo/ Maria Oxley .... Added script supplied by yours truly Alan P.

And all of those lofty ambitions that’d began in the preseason came and went during the regular season . As there was considerably far more action happening off the field , in the locker rooms and elsewhere than anything that was happening on the field when it came to the Cowboys and their play.
As highly combustible and potent an offense as this team was said to be . The stats didn’t not necessarily bear that out when one looks at them closely.

They were a predominantly passed oriented offense (344.5 total yds a game, 236.8 passing per gm/ , 107.7 rushing per gm) but their scoring average per game was a miserly 22.6 points a game. Which’d suggest that there were a great many dropped passes . And defensively they weren’t that much better allowing opponents on average 294 yards a game and 22.8 points a game.

Team wise individually the stats of certain players do bear a closer inspection . And in doing so one can see that the Cowboys’ problems were on both sides of the ball. And as productive as wide-out Terrell Owens was said to be. It may not be the productivity that was always a cause of many of the alleged problems between he and his teammates. But the mere fact that his demeanor and presence was far too overbearing . And the glare of the spotlight that he wanted and commanded was all too much for the team to bare. And given the fact that in Romo you had a quarterback who was as demonstrative as a docile church mouse . One could see who actually was ruling the roost amongst the cocks within this particular chicken coop.

As I’d alluded to earlier there was never or has there ever been any leadership on this team since Wade Phillips was introduced as the team’s coach. But the fault also doesn’t necessary lie with Phillips alone. As it all starts with what happens from the top on down . And when you’ve got an owner in the guise of Jerry Jones , whose meddlesome ways are about as rewarding as having a tooth pulled without the assist of a pain killer. Then you know that there’s bound to be problems. And this comes despite the fact that Jones’ll tell you that he was the prime architect behind the Cowboys winning three Superbowls during the nineties.(‘93,’94 and ‘96) Which is true in some ways but oh so false in others. Were it not for the fact that he had a great coaching staff with Jimmy Johnson at the helm of it all. Who knows how things might’ve turned out for allegedly what is said to be America’s Team ?